When Colorado State University Pueblo re-established its football program ahead of the 2008 season, head coach John Wristen knew exactly who he needed by his side to build Pack Athletics' foundation. Among his first calls was Donnell Leomiti, a fierce competitor, loyal friend, and former player Wristen had recruited during his coaching days at the University of Colorado.

On October 16 at the Occhiato Student Center Ballroom, that foundational legacy will receive its ultimate recognition when Leomiti is posthumously inducted into the CSU Pueblo Athletics Hall of Fame during homecoming weekend.

Student-athletes to be inducted are Lauren Fairchild (track & field, 2016-2021); Scott Gallas (football, 1976-1980); Mike Guenther (wrestling, 1983-1985); Oni Lattin (volleyball, 2014-2015); Brad Ranson (basketball, 1980-1983); and John Trahan (football, 1981-1984).

In addition, the 2017-2018 Women's Basketball team will also be inducted into the CSU Pueblo Athletics Hall of Fame in the Team Category after posting a 25-7 record and capturing both the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference regular and post-season titles to earn the school's fifth straight NCAA Tournament appearance.

Contributor and CSU Pueblo Athletics historian Tim Simmons will join six student-athletes, Leomiti and the 2017-2018 women's basketball team, at the hall of fame ceremonies.  The inductees will also be recognized the next day at halftime of the homecoming game, when the nationally ranked ThunderWolves host New Mexico Highlands.
 

Building the Pack Defense

From the program's rebirth in 2008 until 2017, Leomiti served as the ThunderWolves' recruiting coordinator while coaching the defensive backs. After stepping in as co-defensive coordinator in 2017, he took over full leadership of the defense in 2018.

His impact on the field was staggering: Leomiti coached nine All-Americans, 15 All-Region selections, and 38 All-RMAC picks. Under his guidance, the ThunderWolves led NCAA Division II in interceptions in 2011, 2014, 2018, and 2019.

This defensive dominance peaked during the historic 2014 NCAA Division II National Championship run. All four starting defensive backs earned All-RMAC honors, three garnered All-American status, and the unit finished the season ranked first nationally in scoring defense (12.8 points per game), interceptions (29), defensive touchdowns (7), and turnovers gained (43).

Reflecting on Leomiti's profound impact on the program, Coach Wristen shared in a recent Hall of Fame interview:

"Donnell had a great character, he had great work ethic, but he had that 'it' that was really hard to replace… I was just lucky to be a part of it." – Coach John Wristen [03:08 in a YouTube.com video below]

A Spirit Defined by Resilience

Leomiti's unwavering commitment extended far beyond fall Saturdays. Diagnosed with pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma in the fall of 2013, Leomiti faced his illness with the same tenacity he brought to the gridiron, refusing to let adversity dictate his purpose.

His wife, Lauren – who was herself inducted into the CSU Pueblo Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009 – recalled his relentless drive and optimism through the toughest of battles:

"He never gave up and he always believed… We don't get to sit in our 'woe is me' – that's not allowed. You got to respond and you got to keep going." – Lauren Dunsmore Leomiti [11:43]

Wristen recalled a testament to that extraordinary work ethic during a game week when Leomiti slipped away from medical treatment just to be with his team:

"That's who these Leomitis were and are… how lucky can we be to be able to do all those different things?" – Coach John Wristen [14:42]

An Enduring Impact

Leomiti passed away in 2020, leaving behind a profound legacy carried forward by Lauren and their children, Malekai, Kae'ane and Myalyn. His spirit lives on daily at the university, most visibly within the Leomiti Warrior Center, the state-of-the-art weight room named in his honor that demands the same discipline, championship attitude, and fight through adversity that he modeled every single day [09:46].

As family, friends, and Pack fans gather to celebrate his induction on October 16, Donnell Leomiti's enduring influence on CSU Pueblo remains carved permanently into the heart of the institution.